NELA provides tricycle for younster

Friday

Mar 15, 2013 at 11:00 AM

An Oak Hill Elementary School first grader received a very early Christmas present Thursday in the shape of a new tricycle.

By Dee Tubbsdtubbs@bastropenterprise.com

Jabez Glosson was extremely surprised Thursday morning when a new tricycle was wheeled into his classroom at Oak Hill and even more surprised to find out it was his. The new trike was purchased by Circle of Hope NELA for Glosson because he suffers from Cerebral Palsy and recently underwent extensive surgery on his legs to loosen up the joints so he could walk. Glossin had to spend four weeks at Shriner's Hospital undergoing physical therapy and receives therapy at school as well.

Sara Hawkins, Circle of Hope spokeswoman, heard about the need for Glosson to have something to exercise with and the organization sat about trying to find out exactly what he needed.

"That's what Circle of Hope NELA is all about," Hawkins said. "We hear that someone has a medical or physical need and try to meet that need."

Circle of Hope is funded by proceeds from concealed weapons classes taught by members of the Concealed Firearms Training Academy and held in Morehouse and Ouachita parishes.

"The guys with CFTA are so great to give us a portion of their money to help us help the community," Hawkins continued.

Glosson's family came to see him get the tricycle and are very appreciative for the efforts of Circle of Hope.

"Jabez has always wanted a bike and this one is perfect because it will support him while he builds up his strength," said Trinez Glosson, Jabez' mother.

It will help him to stay active and that is one thing we try to do with him," said father, Tavaris Sanders.

Once he got the hang of riding the trike, Jabez was ready to go up and down the hallways and even gave little brother Johnde'val Jones a ride.